What to do when the lights go off

Savannah Morning News

Friday

May 28, 2010 at 4:57 PM

WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT

-- Fill plastic containers with water. Leave about an inch of space inside each one. Place the containers in the refrigerator and freezer. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold if the power goes out.

-- Keep refrigerated medicines sealed. If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.

-- Know what items to turn off. In some areas you might be instructed to turn off all utilities. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed, the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests. FEMA also recommends turning off propane tanks. Turn off the main breaker to your house as you evacuate. Doing so will avoid a surge once power is restored, according to Georgia Power.

-- Notify authorities of active hazards. Call 911 if you see any sparking or burning equipment, downed lines or accidents (such as a car striking a power pole).

WHEN THE POWER RETURNS

-- Wait 10 to 15 minutes to turn on large appliances and air conditioners.

WHAT TO DO BEFOREHAND

-- Learn to open your garage door manually. If you have an electric garage door opener, note where the manual release lever is located and how to operate it.

-- Buy an extra battery for motorized wheelchairs and scooters. A car battery also can be used with a wheelchair but will not last as long as a wheelchair's deep-cycle battery. If available, store a lightweight manual wheelchair for backup.

-- Follow energy conservation measures. Learn tricks to keep the use of electricity as low as possible, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts.

MINIMUM SUPPLIES NEEDED

-- Flashlight

-- Batteries

-- Portable radio

-- One gallon of water

-- A small supply of food

-- Candles and candle holder

-- Matches or lighter

-- Plastic containers

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